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Updated: May 26, 2026
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A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Perceptual learning incepted by decoded fMRI neurofeedback without stimulus presentation.
Kazuhisa Shibata1, Takeo Watanabe, Yuka Sasaki
1Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International Computational Neuroscience Laboratories, Keihanna Science City, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Adult primate visual cortex plasticity is controversial. We induced visual perceptual learning (VPL) by directly activating early visual cortex, demonstrating its plasticity and potential for rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Neuroplasticity
Background:
- The plasticity of the adult primate early visual cortex for visual perceptual learning (VPL) remains controversial.
- Previous studies often relied on correlational data, lacking direct causal evidence between neural activity and VPL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal role of early visual cortex activity in VPL.
- To determine if direct induction of neural activity patterns can cause VPL.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an online-feedback system with decoded functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals.
- Induced specific orientation-related activity patterns in the early visual cortex without external stimuli or participant awareness.
- Established a cause-and-effect link between induced neural activity and behavioral changes.
Main Results:
- Successfully induced VPL specific to the targeted orientation.
- Demonstrated that direct induction of activity patterns in the early visual cortex is sufficient to cause VPL.
- Showcased the technique's ability to induce plasticity selectively.
Conclusions:
- The adult primate early visual cortex exhibits significant plasticity.
- Directly inducing neural activity patterns can cause VPL, establishing a causal relationship.
- This method offers potential for novel training and rehabilitative strategies for visual disorders.
